Managing A Double Degree, Part-Time Work And A Full-Time Music Career

For L-Fresh The Lion, there was never any question of not studying through to university. While many would know him for his music and songs like 1 In 100,000, Survive and Get Mine, the Western Sydney rapper also has a law and arts double degree under his belt. While music was always a part of his end goal, L-Fresh knew it was smart to have a plan just in case it didn't pan out. 

"Some people say it's good to put all your eggs in one basket because it means you're really passionate about something and it means you're not kidding yourself," explains L-Fresh. "I come from the school of thought of, 'You can do that, but who's to say you can't be smart about it as well?' I don't gamble. I'll take risks but I'm not gambling like that.

"First and foremost, [the degree] gives me a sense of freedom and security. I feel like I've got nothing to lose. I'm at a point where I'm like, 'You know, I can do whatever I want.' And if it fails I've got a law degree to fall back on. Literally nothing to lose," he shares further. "And then, on another level, it's given me a way to think about how I approach music, and a consciousness of how I deal with people, how I interact with people, and what to be cautious of and all that sort of stuff. It gives me a practical purpose as well."

L-Fresh The Lion also believes it's important to give back when it comes to education. During his time at university, he also worked part-time in community development and empowerment, "working with youth workers and then working with some of the toughest people straight off the street". Now, his focus remains strong, and L-Fresh regularly takes part in workshops and community development programs that aim to empower the next generation. 

"Personally, it's a way of giving back. But it's also one of those things that's like, 'What's the point of doing what you do if you don't have something to share?' For me, it's all about sharing."

As busy as he was studying at university while maintaining part-time work, L-Fresh The Lion still found time to pursue his musical career and he reassures students that it is possible to do both at the same time.

"There's just so many benefits of studying and doing music. And in terms of that challenge that young people have with time - like, 'Am I going to be time short?' - you prioritise," he says. "If music's your passion and your hobby outside of your study, you're going to put it all into the music anyway. Hanging out, partying, all that stuff — that can come later. If you really want to kill it, time management, personally, should not be an issue. And that comes from a guy who studied a double degree, worked part-time and did music full-time."